David Gabriel

Abstract:

Of all the Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C Medicare) the best option depends upon the factors desired in the plan. For example, the plans that offer the lowest costs are HMO D-SNP plans (Dual eligible special needs plans) for those that qualify as low income. Of all the plans offered by EmblemHealth, Aetna, Humana, and Empire BlueCross/BlueShield each plan excelled in a particular factor. For instance, Empire MediBlue Plus (HMO) was the best plan in offering extra benefits and for cancer treatment, as the plan covers both diagnostic and therapeutic radiology as well as covering chemotherapy drugs which all plans cover. For diabetics, Humana Gold Plus HMO H3533-006 and H3533-013 offer insulin savings programs. Humana Honor PPO H5970 -016 is good for dental and vision services. Because users will likely aspire for an array of these options, the plans will be ranked in each of the offerings and then the average of the ranks will be taken and the lowest average is the best plan. The best overall plan is HumanaChoice PPO H5970-019 with dental, hearing, and vision services, and is the best plan for inpatient hospital visits, and no drug deductible. After the information is entered from the user, the options are presented to the user to investigate the plans. Each plan has its own XML file which will then be provided to the user when the plan summary is clicked on. After the best plan is found the user will then leave the app and contact the company offering the plan.

Awards: GCRSEF Award for Computer Science